muffle

verb

muf·​fle ˈmə-fəl How to pronounce muffle (audio)
muffled; muffling ˈmə-f(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce muffle (audio)
Synonyms of mufflenext

transitive verb

1
: to wrap up so as to conceal or protect : envelop
2
obsolete : blindfold
3
a
: to wrap or pad with something to dull the sound
muffle the oarlocks
b
: to deaden the sound of
4
: keep down, suppress
muffled her anger

Synonyms of muffle

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Examples of muffle in a Sentence

They tried to muffle the noise. I could hear their muffled voices from the next room.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Polite, slightly puzzling debates over the merits of using concrete in Africa muffle the period’s scalding passions and incandescent dreams. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2026 The actress wears a toasty-looking fur hat and sits cross-legged on the floor, the Canadian road traffic muffling her voice slightly. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 Buell tried to muffle the sound by putting her hands over her ears. — Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026 Now the sound was muffled from the hunters as the dogs passed around a canebrake wall bordered by a dark bayou. — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for muffle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English muflen

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of muffle was in the 15th century

Rhymes for muffle

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Browse Nearby Words

muffin top
muffle
muffle furnace
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Muffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muffle. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

muffle

verb
muf·​fle ˈməf-əl How to pronounce muffle (audio)
muffled; muffling ˈməf-(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce muffle (audio)
1
: to wrap up so as to conceal or protect
2
: to deaden the sound of
muffle a cry
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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